San Phra Kan

Lopburi


Lopburi's holiest place sits in the old town's roundabout. It has a modern (1951) shrine in front of a Khmer-era laterite base from a toppled prang (Khmer-style spire) that was previously known as the 'supreme shrine'. The principal statue inside is a four-armed Vishnu body in Lopburi-Khmer style with an Ayuthaya-era Buddha head attached.

People feed the monkeys milk, biscuits, fruit and other things throughout the day and a lam dance troupe performs from 8am to 1pm. Both are done as thanks to the 'black god' (the city's guardian spirit) after wishes are granted.


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Nearby Lopburi attractions

1. Wat Nakhon Kosa

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Though it's one of Lopburi's minor ruins, it's worth coming to see the base of what was once a huge stupa. It was built in the Dvaravati period, probably…

2. Prang Sam Yot

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As well known for its resident monkeys as its looming towers, this is Lopburi's most famous attraction. The three linked towers were built from laterite…

3. Wat Indra

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Just a small, almost totally ruined wí·hăhn (assembly hall).

4. Prang Khaek

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The oldest monument in Lopburi, this 10th-century trio of brick towers was built by the Khmer, probably for the Hindu god Shiva. King Narai had it rebuilt…

5. Phra Narai Ratchaniwet

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Plan to spend a few hours at this former royal palace, now the Somdet Phra Narai National Museum, which houses excellent displays of local history. Built…

6. Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat

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Although almost every building at this large temple complex across from the train station dates from the Ayuthaya era; the 31m-tall prang (Khmer-style…

7. Wat Bandai Hin

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This small, ruined temple next to the train station was constructed during the reign of King Narai. The wí·hăhn (assembly hall) has lotus petal–arched…

8. Ban Wichayen

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This compound, built in European style by King Narai, served as the residence of foreign ambassadors. It got its present name from the mistaken belief…